D’Backs Notes: Goldschmidt, Watson, Pitching

On Sunday morning, D’Backs GM Dave Stewart spoke with Jim Bowden and Jim Duquette of MLB Network Radio about a number of topics. Here’s a look at some of the highlights..

Stewart told Bowden and Duquette (audio link) that he thinks it’s unlikely that Paul Goldschmidt or his team will approach him about an extension this offseason. Of course, Stewart & Co. would like to get a long-term deal done with Goldschmidt and Stewart plans on talking to his camp to get a “lay of the land” and figure out what kind of deal they’re seeking. Stewart added the first baseman “deserves to wear this uniform for as long as he wants to.”

The GM also admitted that he would like to hammer out a long-term pact with A.J. Pollock. In fact, Stewart has already huddled up with Tony La Russa and the other top execs in the front office to prep for negotiations. Last month, the outfielder was candid about his desire to work out an extension, so the feeling is mutual. The 27-year-old will have over three years of service time by the end of the season, making him eligible for arbitration for the first time, and putting him on pace to become a free agent after 2018. The only recent extension for an outfielder with between three and four years of service time is that of Michael Brantley, who signed a four-year, $25MM deal with one option prior to the 2014 season.

Stewart said (Twitterlinks) that he has yet to receive any calls from clubs looking to interview team exec De Jon Watson. Stewart said that he is perplexed by the lack of interest Watson has received as a GM candidate this year. “I think DeJon would be an outstanding candidate. I think he’s ready [to be a GM]. He’s done an outstanding job here,” the GM said.

Not a huge surprise, but Stewart says that he is determined to try and find a frontline starter this offseason (link).

Comments

Unless Goldschmidt is willing to take a Pedroia like discount, what’s the point in locking him up any further? His current deal goes through his age 31 season. Yes, he’s a special player but they already have him for a long time at a bargain price.